The Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies in UK offers several free information service about e-learning trends, technologies, and tools on its Web site. One of the valuable online resources is the E-Learning Handbook written by Jan Hart, Head of the Centre. According to Jane, the Handbook is written for those who want to create and deliver e-learning and performance solutions themselves quickly, easily and cost-effectively. The E-Learning Handbook has six parts and each part contains a number of topics. Also, each topic provides links to examples, resources, and reading lists. The six major parts of the Handbook are:

The trends

Managing your own learning

Creating informational and performance support materials

Creating and delivering presentations

Creating formal learning solutions

Connecting people

I enjoy reading the E-Learning Handbook and think it is a great reference for e-learning professionals. Also, it provides excellent reading materials for students who wants to learn about e-learning. Thanks to Jane, the handbook is free and available online. I am sure my students will benefit from the E-Learning Handbook.

In addition to the E-Learning Handbook, the Centre also comes up an interesting list, Top 100 Tools for Learning 2007. The list was based on a survey conducted in July and August of 2007. The learning professionals (consultants, analysts, developers, practitioners, academics, etc.) were asked to list their top 10 favorite tools for learning or for creating and delivering learning for others. After reading the Top 100 Tools for Learning 2007, I am not surprised at all with the results and I agree with most of the selection since I have used or tried out most of these tools in creating or delivering learning. If you have not read the list and wonder what are the top 100 tools for learning, you can read the list online and make your own judgment.

As, I strive to complete this class, I am excited at the new possibilities in technology. This year I am teaching three computer applications classes. The state objectives basically cover using Microsoft Office products. However, I have already had my students create a blog using blogger for journaling, an e-mail account for homework, and a Microsoft movie from photographs and we will use YouTube, if allowed.

This class is the shot in the arm that I needed. I feel it is essential to offer new things to our students to help them keep up with the real world. Most applications can be learned if you have a little time to work through mishaps and mistakes. However, it is clear that many students already use social networks and technological devices.

For educators, I have shared the Slideshare web 2.0 tool. They are excited to create a powerpoint and put it on the internet for all students to use. It is also a great way to see what other professionals have on the internet. Some of the other software media, I have yet to experience. However, before the semester is over, I will have attempted each item on Dr. Yuen’s list.

Learning by discovery is the best way. You remember it and your imagination can take you places you never dreamed of. Although at first, the learning curve seems a little step, once you have master the protocol and structured of the new software, you can save lots of time. Every teacher knows that time is of the essence. While one child is reinforcing an objective by watching a video, or slide presentation, then the teacher can facilitate the learning of another child who may need extra help.